Once Upon A Time

Ten years ago, on this day, I was getting married to the most wonderful, huggable, laugh-and-enjoy-life guy in the world. Our ceremony took 11 minutes. We wrote it ourselves. The party lasted about five hours before moving to the motel, where it lasted another four hours. My grandfather walked me down the isle. My other grandfather actually had some cake for the occasion. Both are now gone. It was the last time I ever danced with my brother. For our "first dance" as husband and wife, we chose "Touch Me" by the Doors. The shot of us dancing is still my favorite picture of us.

Nine years ago, on this day, I was opening boxes and trying to get the kitchen settled in our new house. This house. Two years later, we could not have been able to buy it. The torn-up mess of a yard is now landscaped and full of roses, and usually happy boys. The kitchen cabinets and counter desperately need replacing. Kitties still twine furry bodies around the spindles in the dining room.

Five years ago today, I was nursing my firstborn, my Joey, often while watching Ground Force or Changing Rooms on BBC America, sitting in my grandfather's chair. My grandfathers never met Joey. Neither has my brother.

Four years ago today, I was at Ocean City with my husband, eating Thrasher's French Fries, Fisher's Popcorn, and Dolle's taffy, while playing so much at Marty's Playland that I actually won a big prize: a Christmas Goose. It was teh only time we have been together overnight, just Allan and I, since Joey was born. He stayed with Mom, and they had a lot of fun having a weekend slumber party.

Three years ago today, I came home from the hospital with my Andy. I was a new PhD, only a week and a half before. Again, we were nursing, but this time with less TV- I had Joey to keep my eyes on. I managed to do a lot of needlepoint.

Two years ago today, Joey had 25 words. Andy had been walking for two days.

One year ago today, Joey was singing "Waltzing Mathilda" (if you could make out the words at all), spelling his name, and dreaming of the Beach. Andy started speaking in sentences.

And they lived happily ever after.